Obituaries : Aaron Michael Cretin

Aaron Michael Cretin, age 49, passed away at his home on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, December 5, 2024, at St. John XXIII Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, with Rev. Aaron Junge as Celebrant. Interment will be held at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Fairfax. A Rosary will be held at 3:30 PM, followed by Visitation from 4:00 until 7:00 PM, Wednesday, December 4, 2024, also at the church.

Aaron was born on May 24, 1975, in Eldora, the son of Charles and Elizabeth (Kriegel) Cretin. He graduated from Eldora High School with the class of 1994. He graduated from Central College in Pella in 1998 with his B.A. and later graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with his M.A. He was united in marriage to Teresa Coller on October 9, 1999, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids.

Aaron was a school counselor and coach at Benton Community Schools for almost 20 years. He loved working with students both in the classroom and as a cross country, track, and basketball coach. One of his greatest joys was being able to coach his children.

You could often find Aaron on the weekend watching any Hawkeye sports, the 49er's, or any college basketball game that involved a rivalry. Aaron loved doing anything outdoors (except mowing and snow blowing) such as fishing, hiking, or playing basketball in the driveway. He enjoyed taking family vacations to the national parks and loved being in the mountains. He was happiest when spending time with his family.

Aaron is survived by his wife of 25 years, Teresa; his children, Isaac, Anna, and Evan Cretin; parents, Charles, and Elizabeth Cretin, of Eldora; brothers, Brian Cretin, of Eldora, Curtis Cretin, of Ankeny; In-laws, Jim, and Sharon Coller of Center Point; brothers-in-law, Brian (Penny) Coller, and their children, Alexa , and Matthew, Jeffery (Laura) Coller, and their children, Andrew and Piper.

He was preceded in death by his son Elijah Cretin, his 2 angel babies; his grandparents, John and Doris Cretin, Evelyn Cretin, and William and Catherine Roberta Kriegel; and their niece, Grace Coller.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com